The Sixth Lamentation

This may be the best book I read in 2005. The story was engrossing, the characters were well-developed and the actual writing itself was beautiful. So often books will have only 1 or 2 of those criteria, but not all three. The Sixth Lamentation was one of those rare books that I didn't want to end because I was so enjoying the sheer experience of reading it. Some reviewers here have said that the book was too slow and it is slow--don't expect a pot-boiler. This is a book about emotion, contemplation and truth rather than action. The only drawback is that The Sixth Lamentation is William Brodrick's first and to date only novel. I sincerely hope he's working on his second.

This is one of the best books I have read. The authors ability to evoke emotions through amazing imagery was wonderful.I found myself thinking about this novel and the questions it raised long after I put it down. The twists were beautifully executed(mostly due to the fully formed characters) always raising the thought in my mind about how peoples actions can be misinterpreted when we don't have all the facts. In my opinion this novel is not really in the spy genre but rather a look at human beings and their action in crisis and how preconceived ideas can cause misunderstandings of tragic proportions -absolutely wonderful novel

Part historical fiction, part detective story, part courtroom drama, this Dickensian tale about the lives connected to a Nazi war criminal will reward your patience. The introductory chapters move slowly at first, but nothing is as it first appears. The intrigue builds to an amazing conclusion. This is a great story about relationships and the human condition. As bonuses, the story never becomes formulaic nor descends into vulgarity. I highly recommend it.

A former Augustinian friar, William Brodrick well knows the focus of his compelling and ultra literate first novel. Voice performer Graeme Malcolm, a veteran of the Broadway stage, also knows his oeuvre well, and delivers a moving, highly listenable reading. When an elderly man comes to Father Anselm's door seeking sanctuary, the prelate welcomes him to Lakewood Priory. Little does he know or would he have cause to imagine that his visitor, Eduard Schwermann, is a suspected Nazi war criminal. Elsewhere, Agnes Embleton has little of mortal life remaining. Thus, she shares a half century old secret with her granddaughter, Lucy. Some fifty years ago Agnes had lived in occupied Paris where she worked with an underground group dedicated to saving Jewish children. But, it was not long before her group was discovered by SS officer Eduard Schwermann. Thus begins an intertwining mystery that will hold listeners in thrall. Father Anselm learns that the Church has sheltered Schwermann in the past. Further, it assisted him in escaping to Britain and safety in 1944. Why? How could this be? In addition, Lucy finds herself exploring her grandmother's once hidden past, little knowing the stunning facts she will unearth. "The 6th Lamentation" is a mystery and a morality tale - a noteworthy debut. - Gail Cooke

The many reviews posted here tell the plot of the story, and tell it well. However, what is most remarkable about this first novel is the pacing, the depth of the characters, and the passion in the writing. The mystery is not solved until the last page and just when you think you have figuered it out, there is a surprise to show you that you do not have it figured out. The language is exquisite; I read many passages over again because I liked the wording. This book deserves the special handling that booksellers gave Cold Mountain and The Lovely Bones. It deserves to be a best seller. Read it and enjoy and pass the word along.